What is a wiper in the context of a potentiometer called?

In the context of a potentiometer, a wiper is referred to as a sliding contact. This component is crucial because it moves along a resistive track to create a variable resistance, allowing it to tap off different voltage levels. As the wiper slides along the potentiometer's resistive element, it effectively divides the total resistance into two parts, resulting in a specific output voltage that can be adjusted based on the position of the wiper. This adjustable voltage is what makes potentiometers useful in various applications, such as volume controls, tuning devices, and various signal processing applications.

The other terms, while related to electronic components, do not accurately describe the function or role of the wiper in a potentiometer. A resistor refers to the entire resistive element rather than the movable part, a sensing element generally indicates a device that measures a physical quantity, and a connector refers to a component used to connect different parts of a circuit. Each of these choices highlights different aspects of electronic components but does not capture the specific action and purpose of the wiper within a potentiometer.